Chimonobambusa marmorea
marbled bamboo
A low-growing bamboo to 2m high, producing lime-green young shoots marbled brown and white. Arching purple-flushed canes in full sun bear short tufted branches with slender grass-green leaves 10cm in length
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Chimonobambusa are shade-tolerant bamboos, with very active running rhizomes, forming spreading clumps of erect canes with drooping lance-shaped leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Sun tolerant but best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, sheltered from cold winds. Can become very invasive in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation. In a container grow in a loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis during the growing season
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or take rhizome cuttings in spring. Divisions may be slow to establish
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming - see bamboo cultivation
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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